How to Become a Park Ranger in Kentucky

Our state parks are some of the most popular vacation spots in the country.

Kentucky is lucky enough to be home to 52 diverse state parks.

These parks hire park rangers to make sure they are kept clean and safe.

The rangers spend their days outdoors, exploring the environment, teaching visitors, and making sure park rules are followed so that the parks can be enjoyed for years to come.

If this sounds like a career you would enjoy, let’s explore it further.

What Is Required to Be a Park Ranger in Kentucky?

Kentucky has one of the strictest sets of requirements to become a park ranger.

Their rangers are considered police officers and must be certified by the Kentucky Peace Officers’ Professional Standards (POPS).

Those rangers who come from reciprocal states must show proof of these standards.

Candidates must be 21 years old, pass both drug and background checks, and have a driver’s license.

They are also required to pass the same tests, both physical and written, that those attending the police academy need to pass.

There is also a need to be trained and licensed in the use of firearms.

In some cases, there are a limited number of internships available to help gain experience.

What Does a Park Ranger in Kentucky Do?

Park rangers in Kentucky spend their days mainly patrolling the trails of the state parks.

They make sure people follow the rules for fishing, hiking, swimming, and camping.

They watch for dangerous things like fires and watch for animals that may need help.

Park rangers maintain the facilities and equipment and file reports to keep the state informed of what is going on.

They also spend a lot of their time interacting with park visitors.

This is normally a positive activity that can be educational, but in some cases, it can be difficult when someone is not following safety rules or is doing something illegal, such as setting a campfire where it is not approved, destroying plant life, or harming animals.

State Parks in Kentucky

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

This park was named after the natural sandstone bridge that is its main feature.

This bridge is 70 feet long, and it is located 65 feet above ground.

The park is located in Slade, Kentucky.

It offers two campgrounds, with a total of 80 campsites.

Activities at this state park include a mini-golf course, kayak rentals, 22 miles of hiking trails, divided into 12 trails.

The longest trail is 7.5 miles.

There are also paddle boat rentals, a picnic area, and sky lift rides to the bridge.

Visitors also have the option of renting a cabin or exploring a cave.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Kentucky Dam Village Resort Park in Gilbertville, Kentucky, is one of the largest in the state.

It offers over 200 paved camping sites and 1351 acres of land to explore.

This is the park that is most noted for water activities.

Visitors enjoy snorkeling, boating, and fishing.

In addition, there is an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool, a public beach, and riding stables.

There are also other lodging accommodations for those who don’t prefer camping in tents.

There is running water, electricity, and even a grocery store available.

Cumberland Falls State Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is located in Corbin, Kentucky.

The biggest draw to this park is the 125-foot waterfall.

This is a spectacular sight, especially during a full moon.

At that time, you can witness the only instance of a moonbow in the Western Hemisphere.

Other activities you can enjoy in addition to camping are swimming in the pool, mining for fossils, horseback riding, birding, hiking, and fishing.

You can also take a tour of Pinnacle Knob fire tower.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park

At Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, you can enjoy hiking, biking, or horseback riding along the trails.

You can take an elk-watching tour.

You can boat or fish on the lake, sample the local bourbon, and much more.

Bird watchers enjoy this park, where they can view such species as American Redstarts, Eastern Bluebirds, and Bald Eagles.

Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	Eastern Kentucky University

Park Ranger Salary in Kentucky

The salary of a park ranger in Kentucky depends a great deal on how much training and experience you have and the size of the state park you work at.

It also can depend on how much work you are responsible for on your own.

The annual pay range for Kentucky park rangers is $28,248 to $45,500.

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Find Park Ranger Career Guides by State

Frequently Asked Questions

How many state parks are there in Kentucky?

Kentucky has a total of 52 state parks.

It is also home, in part, to four national parks.

What are the largest and smallest state parks in Kentucky?

The largest state park in Kentucky is Nolin State Park, with a total of over 6000 acres.

The smallest park, at 791 acres, is General Butler Park.

Do park rangers in Kentucky make a lot of money?

The annual pay range for Kentucky park rangers is $28,248 to $45,500.

This isn’t a great deal of money, but with time in service, you can expect pay raises and plenty of benefits.

What was the first state park in Kentucky?

The first state park in Kentucky opened in 1924.

This park is Pine Mountain State Resort Park, and it is located in the heart of the Kentucky Ridge State Forest.

Where can I find a list of Kentucky state parks?

If you are looking to explore the numerous state parks in Kentucky, go here for a list of all the parks.

This will help you not only find the parks and their websites, but also help you learn which parks are hiring.